Location: Snyder County, PA | Metro: Snyder County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 17827, located in Snyder County, PA, presents a clear opportunity for investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Snyder County metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,130. This figure is slightly above the market rent reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), which stands at $1,076. Given these numbers, landlords can expect to cashflow marginally with typical units, but the potential for better cashflow exists with premium units that justify the higher FMR rate.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $200,278. Using the HUD FMR, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.68%. This ratio suggests that rental income is relatively low compared to the value of homes, indicating a strong preference for homeownership over renting. However, for those focused on rental investments, this ratio also implies that there is room for rental rates to rise without significantly impacting the local real estate market.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts before selling are not available. These metrics would be useful in understanding the rent-versus-buy dynamics more deeply, particularly how long it takes for properties to sell and the frequency of price reductions. Nevertheless, the current data points towards a stable rental market where investors can achieve positive cashflow, especially with well-maintained or upgraded properties.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 17827 is likely cashflow, given the slight premium of the HUD FMR over the actual market rent. This scenario allows landlords to benefit from a guaranteed tenant base through the Section 8 program while maintaining a modest positive cashflow position.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.